Turf removal and pollinator garden - Ask Extension
Do you still do home visits? I had one when I moved into my house in 2016 and it was very helpful in identifying numerous areas that need attention. ...
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Turf removal and pollinator garden #858820
Asked February 09, 2024, 1:20 PM EST
Do you still do home visits? I had one when I moved into my house in 2016 and it was very helpful in identifying numerous areas that need attention. I am contemplating taking out about 400 sq ft of turf along a section of Blue Spruce. The mature trees have roots invading the lawn and affecting the grass. Rather than remove the trees, I'm thinking of removing a section of turf, adding some new soll, and planting native plants that attract pollinators. I'd like to see if any of the master gardeners have suggestions as to whether this would be the best solution. Thank you.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
We do site visits for tree issues (Tree Team) and for turf issues (Lawncheck), but we don't do landscape consulting or landscape design. This is primarily because we have a very robust program at CSU with the Landscape Design and Contracting student in the horticulture department.
If you want to work with a student to help redesign this area, you can contact Chris Tragakes: <personal data hidden>. The students do projects to help build their portfolios and help support student travel (there is a fee for the design).
I will recommend that anything you do to modify this space, you will need to remember the tree's water needs. Blue spruce are heavy water users and reducing/modifying their irrigation can result in tree decline, even if it's just surrounding the immediate area. Be sure to account for drip irrigation or supplemental irrigation for the spruce as you consider your design.
You wouldn't need to add any soil to the area - the soil below the turf will be ideal for planting waterwise or native plants.
We do site visits for tree issues (Tree Team) and for turf issues (Lawncheck), but we don't do landscape consulting or landscape design. This is primarily because we have a very robust program at CSU with the Landscape Design and Contracting student in the horticulture department.
If you want to work with a student to help redesign this area, you can contact Chris Tragakes: <personal data hidden>. The students do projects to help build their portfolios and help support student travel (there is a fee for the design).
I will recommend that anything you do to modify this space, you will need to remember the tree's water needs. Blue spruce are heavy water users and reducing/modifying their irrigation can result in tree decline, even if it's just surrounding the immediate area. Be sure to account for drip irrigation or supplemental irrigation for the spruce as you consider your design.
You wouldn't need to add any soil to the area - the soil below the turf will be ideal for planting waterwise or native plants.
Thank you for your response. I was not looking for design as much as whether this is a good alternative to having the roots of the blue spuce continue to grow up into the grass. They are pushing up the sprinklers and the grass is not growing well. I will contact Chris and explain what I am thinking about and see if he thinks a design plan would be a good idea. I always like to support the students
Tim
Hi Tim,
My apologies for misunderstanding your question.
If you want to support the trees and tree health, it does make sense to remove the turf from the surfacing roots. Mowing around those roots can cause injury.
What you could do is either remove the turf and add mulch (and other plants) or spray out the turf to create a new bed area. You can then convert the sprinkler heads to drip irrigation. Ideally it would be best to do this for the entire zone (so you don't have drip and turf sprinklers on the same zone). Or you could cap those heads.
But still focus on the trees getting regular water to support their health. While native, spruce in irrigated landscapes have proven not to do well with adjustments/reductions in irrigation amounts. So provide supplemental irrigation to the spruce in some way.
Please let me know if you have other questions!
My apologies for misunderstanding your question.
If you want to support the trees and tree health, it does make sense to remove the turf from the surfacing roots. Mowing around those roots can cause injury.
What you could do is either remove the turf and add mulch (and other plants) or spray out the turf to create a new bed area. You can then convert the sprinkler heads to drip irrigation. Ideally it would be best to do this for the entire zone (so you don't have drip and turf sprinklers on the same zone). Or you could cap those heads.
But still focus on the trees getting regular water to support their health. While native, spruce in irrigated landscapes have proven not to do well with adjustments/reductions in irrigation amounts. So provide supplemental irrigation to the spruce in some way.
Please let me know if you have other questions!
